Question: On the built in microwaves that are over the stove – model GE Profile Spacemaker LX1800 – What can you do to prevent the vent cover (which runs across the top of the microwave) from remaining open after the microwave has finished cooking? I know you can manually push it shut but is there some preventative maintenance to keep it from staying open?
Answer: I could not find another Woodchuck who has this problem. Our best guess is that the mechanism is clogged with grease. Try spraying a good grease cutting detergent into the sides of the vent cover and scrub in there with a soft bristle brush to remove any grease that may be sticking the vent cover. Move it gently up and down with your hand.
Resetting a microwave
GE Spacemaker LX 1800 microwaves are customizable, which means you can control some of the appliance’s settings, such as the time, power level and defrost settings. You can use the control panel to make changes to these settings one at a time; however, there is not a button or function on the microwave that allows you to reset the appliance at once. The best way to reset a GE Spacemaker appliance is to disconnect it from its power supply.
Locate the microwave’s power supply cord.
Remove the power supply cord from the wall outlet.
Wait one to two minutes.
Re-insert the power supply cord into the wall outlet. The microwave is now reset.
Question: On the Dearborn model, there is a light that came standard that hangs from the ceiling in the foyer. There are 12 pieces of glass that make up the fixture. There are six pieces on the bottom half of the fixture that angle down and there are six pieces on the top half of the fixture that angle up. There doesn’t seem to be any way to get the fixture down to clean it or to even reach inside it to wash the glass. Are you familiar with this fixture and is there any way to clean it?
Answer: Two Woodchucks have this same light fixture, and they each have their own way to clean it. Woodchuck #1 trips the circuit breaker to that light, disconnects the wires at the ceiling, and unbolts the light from the ceiling bracket. He then takes it to the kitchen counter where he can clean the glass.
Woodchuck #2 does not remove the light. He takes a wooden paint stirrer and wraps it with a piece of cloth. An undershirt works well. With this stick he can reach into the light fixture and clean the back side of the glass panels.
Someone who does not have this light fixture suggested that a Swiffer would reach easily up into this fixture and clean away the dust.
Tip: It has been colder than normal this year and your furnace has run more than it usually does. This means there is more dust on your furnace filter. You should add an additional filter change this month.
• If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com
